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Spectrum: Autism Research News

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Treatments

Efforts to ease the symptoms of autism are beginning to ramp up, with promising candidates in various stages of testing.

November 2019

Mouse study reveals overlooked target for autism therapies

by  /  20 November 2019

Blocking one form of an enzyme implicated in autism eases unusual behaviors and seizures in mice missing a top autism gene.

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Portrait of Geraldine Bliss and her son Charles

New family group pursues treatments for autism-linked syndrome

by  /  19 November 2019

After a decade of working with the Phelan-McDermid Syndrome Foundation, Geraldine Bliss has co-founded a new organization to develop therapies for the condition.

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October 2019
Choosing between two plates: on the left, salmon and on the right, supplements.

Analysis finds little evidence to support dietary interventions for autism

by  /  28 October 2019

Special diets that eliminate certain foods or contain added supplements have minimal impact on autism traits, according to a review of 27 clinical trials.

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micrographs of brain areas in red.

Drug counteracts effects of doubled autism gene

by  /  24 October 2019

An experimental drug tamps down the expression of a gene duplicated in an autism-related condition and restores typical behavior in mice.

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Marijuana plant

Cannabis compound improves sociability in autism mouse model

by  /  22 October 2019

A single dose of cannabidiol, a component of marijuana, eases seizures and improves learning and sociability in mice with mutations in an autism gene called CDKL5.

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Mouse study hints at why fragile X drugs fail in trials

by  /  22 October 2019

Drug after drug has failed in clinical trials for fragile X syndrome. A new study provides an explanation — a decrease in the drugs’ effectiveness over time — and points to a new strategy that could circumvent this problem.

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Angelman syndrome’s silent gene points way forward for autism therapies

by  /  21 October 2019

Advances in research and help from families have brought scientists to the brink of an effective therapy for Angelman syndrome.

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linked hands in a pattern intertwined with DNA showing some broken parts, symbolizing mutations

Rett syndrome’s link to autism, explained

by  /  21 October 2019

Studies of Rett syndrome hint at genes, cells and brain circuits that may be involved in autism — and may pave the way to treatments for both conditions.

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two young people in conversation

Computer games could boost social skills in people with autism

by  /  21 October 2019

Playing games designed to hone the ability to intuit others’ thoughts and feelings increases activity in regions of the social brain.

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CRISPR therapy may reverse autism mutation’s effects well past infancy

by  /  20 October 2019

Injecting the gene-editing tool CRISPR into the brains of mice may reverse the effects of an autism mutation at any age.

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